Brazil survives Japan scare with 95th-minute Martinelli winner to reach World Cup last 16
A stoppage-time strike by Gabriel Martinelli completed a 2-1 comeback victory for Brazil over Japan on Monday, rescuing the five-time champions from a shock early exit and sending them into the World Cup round of 16.
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston, avoiding what would have been the first major upset of the 2026 World Cup. Kaishu Sano's first-half strike put Japan in dreamland, but second-half goals from Casemiro and Martinelli secured passage to the knockout stage.
Japan's well-organised ambush
Japan deployed a compact 5-4-1 system that smothered Brazil's attacking threats, doubling up on Vinícius Jr and denying space in behind. The Asian side waited for transition moments and struck on the half-hour. A misplaced pass by Danilo was intercepted by Sano, who drove into the space left by a cautioned Casemiro and fired a low shot beyond Alisson.
Brazil's half-time reset
Carlo Ancelotti reacted at the interval by introducing Endrick for the injured Lucas Paquetá, shifting to a two-forward shape. The change injected urgency and stretched Japan's defensive block. Brazil began pinning the opponent deep and creating chances through wide deliveries.
- 29' Kaishu Sano intercepts a Danilo pass and scores with a low drive from outside the area (0-1)
- 56' Casemiro heads in a Gabriel cross to make it 1-1
- 90+5' Bruno Guimarães tees up Gabriel Martinelli, whose deflected shot beats Zion Suzuki to seal a 2-1 win
Casemiro and Martinelli turn the tie
Casemiro rose to head home a Gabriel cross in the 56th minute, levelling the score and shifting momentum firmly toward the South Americans. Japan held on under heavy pressure until the fifth minute of added time, when Bruno Guimarães found Martinelli inside the box. The Arsenal winger's shot took a touch off goalkeeper Zion Suzuki before hitting the post and rolling in, sparking wild celebrations.
What comes next
Brazil will face the winner of Tuesday's Norway–Ivory Coast clash in the round of 16 on Sunday at East Rutherford, New Jersey. Japan exits after a fifth consecutive failure to win a World Cup knockout match, but left with the admiration of a team that pushed the tournament favourites to the very last kick.
